Arsenal must sign Victor Osimhen to retain Premier League title, says Joe Cole

Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole believes Manchester City will win the 2026-27 Premier League title unless Arsenal sign Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen before the transfer window closes.

Cole says Mikel Arteta’s side still need a world-class number nine, despite ending a 22-year wait to win the Premier League last season. He believes Osimhen could provide the decisive difference in what is expected to be another close contest between Arsenal and City.

Arsenal finished the 2025-26 campaign with 85 points, seven clear of Manchester City. Their title was confirmed in dramatic circumstances when City drew 1-1 with Bournemouth in Matchweek 37, before Arsenal completed their successful campaign with a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on the final day.

The Gunners have already made several additions to their squad this summer. Christos Tzolis joined from Club Brugge, while Piero Hincapie’s move from Bayer Leverkusen was made permanent. Goalkeeper Illan Meslier has also arrived from Leeds United, and Arsenal have agreed a £51m deal to sign Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa.

Their attack remains the main focus of transfer speculation, however. Leandro Trossard has left for Besiktas, while Viktor Gyokeres was Arsenal’s leading scorer during their title-winning season.

Arsenal’s goals were shared across the team last term, with Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Trossard, Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino all making significant contributions. Cole believes a powerful central striker would give Arteta another option and help the champions maintain their advantage.

Osimhen, who has also been linked with Tottenham, joined Galatasaray permanently after previously playing for Napoli. The 27-year-old has scored 59 goals in 74 appearances for the Turkish club.

Arsenal have been linked with negotiations involving Galatasaray, with reports suggesting Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri have been discussed as part of talks that could also involve Osimhen’s potential move to north London.

There is, though, a significant obstacle to any deal. Galatasaray president Dursun Ozbek has said the Turkish champions do not want to sell Osimhen this summer. The club have already rejected a €130m offer from Saudi Arabia for the Super Eagles forward.

Arsenal also have other areas of the squad to strengthen before the transfer deadline on 1 September, meaning a move for Osimhen would have to be carefully managed.

Former Premier League striker Carlton Cole is even more confident about what Osimhen could add to Arsenal’s attack.

Manchester City will begin the new season with Enzo Maresca as their manager following Pep Guardiola’s departure. They still possess a major threat in Erling Haaland, who scored 27 Premier League goals last season and won the Golden Boot.

Despite Haaland’s continued presence, Joe Cole believes Osimhen could determine whether the Premier League trophy stays in London with Arsenal or returns to Manchester with City.

Arsenal begin their title defence on Friday when Coventry City visit the Emirates Stadium. Their next two league fixtures are away to Aston Villa on 29 August and at home to Chelsea on 5 September.